Virginia Family and the South

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Written by Miss Wendy O

After shaking the dust off, having a much needed shower (especially Stuart pooeeee) and finally sorting Argie's aircon we were off. We drove to Ashville to reach the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It traverses the southern Appalachian ridge and extends from North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It was great to leave the dull interstates to quieter scenic roads where we could fully appriate the stunning views of the mountains.

We camped the first night at a site at the beginning of the parkway. It was called Doughty campsite but Stuart and I appropriately renamed it Blair Witch Campsite after our stay. We were the ONLY people there which initially we thought was kinda kool but as dusk fell the surrounding trees and silence made it very eerie. If that wasn't spooky enough the heavens opened and a massive thunderstorm took place right above our tent. There were signs everywhere about the local bears who may pay you a visit searching for food. Great - serial killers AND bears! Stuart was so scared he even came to the girls toilets with me when we did our midnight toilet run (hmmm or maybe that was on my request). Miraculously our tent withstood the thunder storm challenge and kept us dry and safe all night.

The second night we camped on Smith Lake just outside Roanoke further north on the Blue Mountain Parkway. Thankfully it was much busier so we enjoyed the safety in number theory and slept well.

Our next stop .. Mechanicsville beside Richmond in Virginia where I was reunited with my cousin Lorraine and her family. It was fab to catch up with them all and hang out with the boyz, Connor and Matthew. Stuart and I jammed with the boyz, took them swimming in the neighbourhood pool, played at the park and went to see the Clydesdale Horses at a horse show back in Roanoke Lorraine's company, Express Personnel, were sponsoring. Did I mention that Express Personnel is the BEST recruitment company in the states, especially in Richmond. Then we all hung out at Busch Gardens, one of the largest adventure parks in the states. It was awesome. We went on the Griffan which is apparently the tallest roller coaster in the world and had heaps of fun on the other rides.

Brian did an excellent job as Richmond Tour Guide and showed us around the Capitol and surrounding area.

Too soon it was time to say goodbye, pack-up, and head onto our next adventure ... Washington DC.

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Photos

Log Ride
Stuart and Lorraine holding it together nicely....

Connor
Being ET

Camping
Colour coordination is everything in the back woods....

On Smith Mountain Lake
In Blue Ridge Mountains

Matthew and Stuart
Inspecting the Clydesdales

Jack Russell racing
weird..........

Comments

[Brad & Johanna Caplan]

STUART!!!
Just catching up with all of your wonderful travels!!! Looks like you're close by - any chance you can come see us in North Carolina??? Raleigh may not be as exciting as mountain climbing, but maybe we can show you some good BBQ!! [e-mail]